Carlton coach Brendon Bolton expects Sydney to progress deep in September after watching them destroy his side in the final round of the AFL season.
The Blues were the victim of a Lance Franklin clinic at the SCG, where the superstar booted 10 goals in the Swans' 81-point win.
Bolton masterminded Sydney's most recent defeat, with the exception of Hawthorn's two wins over the red and white this year.
John Longmire's side have slowly but surely battled back to top form since that loss in round six. Regardless of where they finish on the ladder, Bolton believes the Swans will trouble all comers in the finals.
"I rank them really highly (among premiership contenders)," he said.
"They've got some firepower, their contested-ball and stoppage work is first class.
"They've won multiple games (14 of 16) after a slow start, so that tells you they're going to be a formidable team."
Bolton added the hosts showed his youngsters exactly what to strive for.
"It gives you a clear vision of what it takes (to be successful)," he said.
"There's no doubt they've been the benchmark, or in and around the benchmark team, for a long time.
"We faced a really formidable opponent who are going to go a long way in finals."
Bolton paid tribute to Dennis Armfield after his final game, and also thanked outgoing director of coaching Neil Craig.
The second-year coach wouldn't be drawn on his club's pursuit of off-contract young gun Josh Kelly but noted the Blues would be "open minded" in the trade period.
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